Timber vs Composite

Compare window materials to make the best choice for your home

Timber windows

Timber

A traditional natural material that offers excellent aesthetics, good insulation, and environmental benefits but requires regular maintenance.

£550-£2800
Composite windows

Composite

A hybrid material combining the benefits of multiple materials, usually with a timber core and aluminum exterior for low maintenance and good insulation.

£600-£3000

Feature Comparison

TimberFeatureComposite
£550-£2800
Price Range
£600-£3000
2.2x
Relative Cost
2.4x
Excellent
Thermal Efficiency
Excellent
25-35 years
Average Lifespan
30-45 years
Low
Maintenance Required
Low
10-30 years
Typical Warranty
20-30 years

Detailed Comparison

Timber

Advantages

  • Beautiful natural appearance
  • Excellent insulation properties
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Suitable for conservation areas
  • Repairable and refinishable

Considerations

  • Requires regular maintenance
  • Can warp or rot if not maintained
  • Higher cost than uPVC
  • Variable quality depending on wood type

Composite

Advantages

  • Combines advantages of timber and aluminum
  • Excellent thermal performance
  • Low maintenance exterior
  • Premium appearance
  • Long lifespan

Considerations

  • Highest cost option
  • Limited suppliers and installers
  • Repairs can be complex
  • Heavy

Our Recommendation

Choose Timber if:

You're looking for the most cost-effective option with very good thermal efficiency

Budget Considerations

Timber:£550-£2800
Composite:£600-£3000

Long-term Value

Expected Lifespan:25-35 years vs 30-45 years
Maintenance:High vs Low

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